Mesa Mountain View's 2-QB system working as team has won 5 straight

Mesa Mountain View's two best football players are at the position that is known for being a one-man show.

Junior quarterback Chase Funk started the year as the No. 1 guy, but because of his ability to also play wide receiver, John Clark has taken a lot of snaps.

"We have two good athletes and having John sit on the bench wasn't helping us," coach Chad DeGrenier said. "It's whatever guy gets hot let him ride it out. Kind of like a three-point shooter if he gets hot, just keep feeding him."

After the opening loss to Scottsdale Desert Mountain, the offense needed a boost. In the next game against Mesa Desert Ridge, Clark took most of the snaps with Funk throwing two interceptions and completing only 5 of 16 passes. Mesa Mountain View lost 48-23 but learned it could switch the quarterbacks and not worry about a dip in performance.

It rattled off five straight victories after the loss, including three wins against teams currently with a winning record.

"It would be nice sometimes to stay in, but obviously it helps the team," Clark said. "And it has worked so far."

Funk brings more of a dual-threat style to the offense, but Clark's quick release has been what has propelled him to receiving more snaps in recent games.

Having Funk at wide receiver helps in other ways, too, as he can read defenses and get information to Clark easily when both are in the game.

"Just giving him pointers and maybe see a little bit more things that he doesn't see," Funk said.

Clark has passed for 1,246 yards and completed close to 60 percent of his passes. Funk, who has thrown less but has run effectively, is second on the team with 187 rushing yards.

Both quarterbacks have turnovers: Funk four and Clark seven. The team hopes to reduce turnovers.

"Offensively, we have to take care of the ball," DeGrenier said. "Every game we have had a turnover, and as you get into the playoffs you have to eliminate those."